A representative example of a rig used by anglers practicing the artificial breakaway jig fishing method observed during the tarpon catch-and-release mortality study in Boca Grande Pass from 2002 to 2004. Heavy monofilament lines (80- or 100-pound test) and short 40- or 50-pound monofilament leaders were tied directly to “J” or circle hooks (shown here is an 8/0 circle hook), with a small cable tie attaching the jig head and plastic shad tail to the hook. The average leader length on breakaway jig rigs observed during the study was 3 feet. The small cable tie was used so that the jig would break away from the hook when angling a tarpon.

Image Credit: FWC

FWC Facts:You can fit nearly 100 Karenia brevis cells on the head of a pin.